Western White Pine vs Sitka Spruce - TreeTime.ca

Western White Pine vs Sitka Spruce

Picea sitchensis

Pinus monticola

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Sitka Spruce
Western White Pine

Sitka Spruce is a native conifer and the largest spruce species in the world. It grows quickly and reaches impressive heights, often reaching more than 50 metres (164 feet) in suitable conditions. It has strong, durable wood that has long been recognised for its commercial value.

It contributes to soil stability and plays an important role in coastal ecosystems. It offers cover and nesting sites for birds and small animals, and its seeds provide food for wildlife such as songbirds and small mammals.

Sitka Spruce plays a role in reforestation and ecological restoration projects in Coastal BC. The Wright Brothers used Sitka Spruce wood to build the frames of their first flying machines.

The Western White Pine is long-long lived conifer that featuring a narrow, open, conical crown of horizontal branches with blue-green needles. It is native to the Pacific Northwest in the mountain region. As a timber species the Western White Pine is highly valued. This evergreen is similar to the Eastern White Pine, but has stiffer needles, the growth is more dense, and it tends to have larger cones.

Sitka Spruce Quick Facts

Western White Pine Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3b
Height: 61 m (200 ft)
Height: 30 m (100 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, conical
Spreading: seeds - low, layering - low
Suckering: none


Bark: thin, flaky, gray-brown to gray-purple
Cones: Reddish-brown, papery cones
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: BC
Native to: AB, BC
Other Names: coast spruce, tideland spruce
Other Names: idaho white pine, mountain white pine, silver pine